Bear fruit -- A matter of register

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Tanit

#361431 Mon, 07 May 07 11:39 AM

Some of these policies can be easily implemented and enforced by a strong, committed government, not fearful of opposition, and willing to seek and build consensus over possibly unpopular policies. Others require a great behavioural change, and are therefore likely to bear their fruit only in the long-term.

Hi,

Would this idiom be appropriate in a formal context? Also, If I can retain it, should it be 'bear fruit' without 'their'?

Thanks in advance!
(PS: are there any mistakes in the sentence?)

Tanit

Joined on Mon, Jul 31 2006

In the middle of the Mediterranean Sea

Senior Member (2,238)

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Idioms

NewPhilologist

#361456 Mon, 07 May 07 12:44 PM

Yes, it would be appropriate in a formal context as long as you say bear fruit (without their).

See also Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

bear fruit FORMAL
If something someone does bears fruit, it produces successful results:
Eventually her efforts bore fruit and she got the job she wanted.